Grafton firefighters host tag sale
GRAFTON - The 36th annual Grafton Firefighters' Tag Sale will be held Saturday, Oct. 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 8, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the firehouse, just east of the village on Route 121.
This is a popular event for people - locals and visitors alike - seeking bargains furniture, linens, toys, tools, books, housewares, small appliances, and numerous other items.
Most items will be half price on Sunday.
People from the community have been working hard to sort and price items with the goal of generating funds to help support the volunteer fire department.
More donations can be brought to the firehouse daily from 9-1 until Thursday, Oct. 5, and volunteers are welcome to help during those hours as well.
“Please help us by not bringing computer equipment, mattresses, tires, ski equipment, exercise equipment, clothing, tube type TVs, and things that are broken and really dirty,” members of Grafton Fire and Rescue write on the organization's Facebook page.
More Estey organs are available for re-homing
BRATTLEBORO - More Estey organs have recently joined those available for re-homing at the Estey Organ Museum this fall.
This is thanks to the Brattleboro Historical Society, which has identified a group of surplus or non-museum-quality instruments in its holdings.
All of these instruments, originally manufactured in Brattleboro, need new homes.
Do-it-yourselfers and keyboard fans are invited to view these organs and more at a re-homing event at the Estey museum on Birge Street on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 2 to 4 p.m.
This re-homing event is a way for the museum to fulfill part two of its mission - “to promote the continued use and enjoyment of Estey organs.” In 2015 and 2016, several dozen instruments found new homes. This year, reed organs, wooden organ pipes, and some stools and benches are available.
Many of the instruments could be rehabilitated by cleaning and bellows repair, but others require more extensive repair and in some cases are no longer musically usable.
“Yet there is plenty of do-it-yourself repair advice on the internet and samples of ways to recycle the fine woodworking and craftsmanship of Estey workers of long ago,” event organizers write.
“Although some may decry the idea of turning a musical instrument into a desk or liquor cabinet, we believe that upcycling shows respect for the fine woodworking and craftsmanship of Estey workers of long ago,” the Estey Organ Museum writes on its website, esteyorganmuseum.org.
'Christmas Under the Tent' at the Chester Andover Family Center
CHESTER - On Saturday, Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Chester Andover Family Center, 908 Route 103 South, will hold its annual “Christmas Under the Tent” sale.
Holiday items for decorating, entertaining, and gift-giving needs will be available, as well as toys, gifts, items for a holiday table, artificial trees, Christmas cards, and decorations galore. Everything under the tent will be priced from $1 to $20.
Also scheduled: what organizers describe as the “famous bake sale” and a raffle for a handmade braided rug.
Proceeds from this event support programs of the Family Center, a nonprofit, volunteer-run organization. In addition to a thrift store and food shelf, it provides financial assistance for residents struggling to make ends meet.
Grammar School goes medieval
PUTNEY - The Grammar School will transform into a 14th-century Old English village Saturday, Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., as it hosts its annual Medieval Faire.
The event, a fundraiser for the school's Student Scholarship Fund, includes games, food, live music, and vendors, all presided over by King Arthur and his royal court.
“Come one, come all, and feel free to dress the part,” event organizers write.
Organizers say most activities will be geared toward children and families, including birds of prey from Southern Vermont History Museum, fencing demonstrations, a candy-throwing catapult, a climbing wall, a haunted dungeon, archery and slingshot ranges, appearances by Merlin the Wizard and King Arthur, pony rides, giant chess, and other carnival activities.
Admission is free for all ages, and all-day passes are available for games and rides.
Guilford church presents pie sale
GUILFORD - A fall tradition - the Homemade Pie Sale of the Guilford Community Church - will take place on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the corner of Route 5 and Guilford Center Road.
In addition to homemade apple, pecan, raspberry, rhubarb, cherry, pumpkin, and specialty pies, the church's baked beans and potato salad will be sold.
Proceeds go to support the work of the church in the community.
Putney School hosts annual Harvest Festival
PUTNEY - The Putney School Harvest Festival takes place for its 82nd year on Sunday, Oct. 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The day kicks off with the 5K Red Leaf Ramble running race at 9 a.m. (registration at 8:30 in the Field House).
The International Cafe, with foods cooked by students from around the world, will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
There will be a sword exhibition and mummers' play at 11:15 a.m. on Truck Road, followed by games and races on the East Lawn (behind the Currier Center) at noon.
At 12:45 p.m., there will be a parade, followed by contra dancing at 1 p.m. on the East Lawn.
Attendees may join students and staff for an all-school sing, featuring the Putney Community Orchestra, in Calder Hall at 2 p.m.
And all day long, booths will feature crafts, fresh produce and grilled food and baked goods from community groups, plus freshly pressed apple cider. Children can visit a bouncy house, bouncy slide, and bouncy obstacle course.
The Putney School is on 418 Houghton Brook Rd. Visit www.putneyschool.org for more information.
Weston Playhouse hosts craft show
WESTON - The Weston Craft Show at the Weston Playhouse on The Green opens Friday, Oct. 6, and will run through Sunday, Oct. 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, featuring the work of dozens of juried artisans from throughout Vermont.
Begun by a small group of local artisans in 1983, the show has grown to become one of the state's top fall attractions. Admission to the show is $8, and parking is free.
A lunch catered by the Weston Marketplace will be available in the Café at the Falls, overlooking the West River.
Proceeds from the show will benefit the preservation of the historic museums in Weston, including the Farrar-Mansur House & Museum, the Old Mill Museum, and the Craft Building, as well as Cold Spring Brook Park.
For more information, visit www.westoncraftshow.com.
Townshend hosts pumpkin fest
TOWNSHEND - The Townshend Business Association will sponsor this year's Pumpkin Festival on Saturday, Oct. 14, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., on the Common.
Several dozen artists and vendors from around the area will sell their wares alongside the main activities, including a pumpkin decorating contest at 12:30 p.m. and a contest for best apple pie at 1:30 p.m.
Free pony rides will be offered from noon to 3 p.m.
Admission and parking for the event is free.
For more information, visit www.townshendvermont.org.
Make a dash to the Townshend Dam
TOWNSHEND - West River Valley Thrives will host its annual costume 5K run/walk on Saturday, Oct. 21 at 9 a.m. along the West River Trail.
This race is a fundraiser for West River Valley Thrives, a youth substance abuse prevention coalition in Townshend, Vermont. All proceeds will be donated to area Girls on the Run and Heart and Sole programs.
Runners will race from the “Old Route 30” trailhead to the Townshend Dam recreation area. Awaiting at the finish line: food, drinks, and activities (including bobbing for apples, pumpkin painting, and more).
At 10:30 a.m., prizes will be handed out to top finishers as well as those with the most creative costumes.
Adults pay $20 to race. Kids younger than 15 pay $15.
For more information and to register, visit www.runreg.com/dash-to-the-dam, or call Rebecca Keppler at 802-365-4700.